Daily Readings - Fri Dec 06 2019
Isaiah
17Is it not yet a very little while, and Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest?18And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity, and out of darkness.19The meek also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.20For the terrible one is brought to nought, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off:21That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.22Therefore thus saith the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob, Jacob shall not now be ashamed, neither shall his face now wax pale.23But when he seeth his children, the work of mine hands, in the midst of him, they shall sanctify my name, and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob, and shall fear the God of Israel.24They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.
Matthew
27And when Jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying, and saying, Thou Son of David, have mercy on us.28And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.29Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.30And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it.31But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we encounter powerful images of hope, healing, and transformation. The first reading from Isaiah paints a vivid picture of a future where the deaf will hear and the blind will see, where the meek will rejoice, and the poor will exult in the Holy One of Israel. This vision is set against the backdrop of a people in exile, struggling with despair and injustice. Isaiah reminds us that God’s redemption is not just a distant promise but a transformative reality that will restore creation and bring light to those in darkness. The prophet’s words are a call to trust in God’s plan, even when the present seems bleak.
The Gospel reading from Matthew brings this hope into sharp focus through the story of Jesus healing two blind men. These men, marginalized and excluded because of their disability, cry out to Jesus, “Have pity on us, Son of David.” Their plea is not just for physical sight but for a deeper restoration—they long to be seen and valued. Jesus, moved by their faith, touches their eyes and restores their sight. This miracle is more than a physical healing; it is a sign of the kingdom breaking into the world. Just as Isaiah spoke of a time when the eyes of the blind would see, Jesus embodies that promise, revealing himself as the one who brings light to darkness.
These readings invite us to reflect on how we encounter God in our own lives. Like the blind men, we often find ourselves in places of darkness, whether through suffering, doubt, or sin. Yet, Jesus stands before us, asking, “Do you believe I can do this for you?” Our response, like theirs, must be one of faith and trust. The readings also remind us that healing is not just for ourselves but for others. Just as the blind men could not keep their healing to themselves, we are called to share the light of Christ with a world still shrouded in darkness. Let us, then, approach life with the same persistence and hope as those two blind men, trusting in God’s power to transform us and through us, transform the world.